Child protection notification investigation status code N[N]

Identifying and definitional attributes

Children and Families, Standard 22/11/2016Community Services (retired), Recorded 19/08/2011

Definition:

A code set representing the status of an investigation into a child protection notification.

Representational attributes

Representation class:

Code

Data type:

Number

Format:

N[N]

Maximum character length:

2

Permissible values:

Value

Meaning

1

Substantiated

2

Not substantiated

3

Investigation in process

4

Investigation closed - no outcome possible

Supplementary values:

97

Not applicable

Collection and usage attributes

Guide for use:

CODE 1 Substantiated

An investigation is classified as ‘substantiated’ where there is reasonable cause to believe that the child has been, is being, or is likely to be abused or neglected or otherwise harmed. Substantiation does not necessarily require sufficient evidence for a successful prosecution and does not imply that treatment or case management was, or is to be, provided.

CODE 2 Not substantiated

An investigation is classified as ‘not substantiated’ where an investigation has concluded that there is no reasonable cause to suspect prior, current or future abuse or neglect or harm to the child.

CODE 3 Investigation in process

An investigation that is in process is a notification which was investigated, but where the investigation was not completed and an investigation outcome was not recorded by the end of the reference period.

CODE 4 Investigation closed - no outcome possible

An investigation that is closed with no outcome possible is a notification which was investigated, but where the investigation was not able to be finalised in order to reach the outcome of substantiated or not substantiated. These files would be closed for administrative purposes. This may happen, for example, in cases where the family has relocated.